Embassy of India, Muscat, organized a mega Yoga session at Muscat on 21st June, 2019 to celebrate the 5th International Day of Yoga (IDY), which saw participation of more than 6000 yoga enthusiasts cutting across different nationalities and faiths. The main event was organized by Embassy at Oman Convention and Exhibition Center in association with Muscat based 18 Yoga organizations, Indian Social Club & its 27 linguistic wings, Indian Schools and Oman Olympics Committee. 

The event was well supported by Oman Government, represented by H.E. Mohammed bin Yousef Al Zarafi, Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs as chief guest. Senior officials of Oman Government, Ambassadors of many countries accredited to Oman and prominent Omani & Indian citizens were also present as honored guests. The massive yoga session also saw participation by members of diplomatic corps, Omani nationals, Indian community, students and other expatriates based in Muscat.

The participants of one of the largest single location Yoga gatherings outside India were ably helped by volunteers from various Indian community organizations in Muscat. The official event started with welcome of the chief guest by Munu Mahawar, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, followed by his welcome speech. The Ambassador also welcomed all the honored guests and special pre-recorded IDY video messages by them were played. After this, the Common Yoga Protocol was played, which started with the message of honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, who congratulated everyone on 5th IDY and stated that Yoga has linked the whole world as it helps to lead a holistic and balanced life. After that all the participants performed various yoga postures in complete harmony and unison.

The 5th IDY was celebrated in other parts of Oman also, especially Sur, Sohar and Salalah. The celebration held on 21st June was the culmination of long series of Yoga workshops and sessions organized by the Embassy and various yoga organizations at various locations in Muscat, including Embassy multi-purpose hall. Many curtain raiser events were also organized at various iconic locations in Oman to promote Yoga.

The Embassy has been celebrating the International Day of Yoga since 2015, the main event organized by Embassy has seen steady increase in number of participants over the years and this year saw a record number of more than 6000 participants. The massive response this year to the International Day of Yoga celebrations by citizens of different countries in Oman, is a testament to the popularity and acceptance of Yoga as a way of life to achieve global happiness and harmony.

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